||By the desk of DR. NIKHAT CHOUDHARY ||
Introduction
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) that is a rare autoimmune disease that attacks the individual's own nervous system. This article is planned to show all aspects of GBS; from global and native epidemiology, to the potential side effects of medicines and the like. In the same vein, I will also consider the pros and cons of using homeopathy along with usual therapies.
World Epidemiology
Worldwide, Guillain-Barre syndrome occurs four or five times in every 500,000 people and there is a low incidence of Guillain-Barre syndrome. It can be said that GBS is an old age chronic disease. Although GBS is more common in older people, its incidence increases with increasing age and men are slightly more affected than women.
Indian Epidemiology
Based on the researches one can assume that there is no sufficient data to claim the exact prevalence of Guillain-Barre syndrome in India, thus computing the disease's incidence rate in India is not expected to be far away from the world's statistics about 1-2 occurrences per year among 100,000 people. The disease has found its way into the population of India, and these are the age-independent major reasons.
Causes
There is no certain way by which the Guillain-Barre syndrome can be explained, but evidence shows that GBS may be the outcome of the immune system's aggression against an infection acquired recently or, seldom, of the vaccination process. The common infections that may come before GBS include:
Food poisoning from Campylobacter jejunus (one of the food types involved in food poisoning)
Seasonal flu
Cytomegalovirus
Epstein-Barr virus
Zika virus
Symptoms
It is common for Guillain-Barre syndrome to develop and intensify in a short time and the symptoms can be as follows:
Gradual decline in reflexes of the lower extremities
Paralysis
Ocular or facial palsy
Dysphagia & dysarthria
Unbearable pain, especially around the bedtime
Breathing in severe cases
Acceleration of heartbeats and changes in blood pressure
Side Effects of Conventional Medicines
Drugs used in the treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome such as plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy may have some side effects, such as:
Allergic response
Blood pressure fluctuations
Chance of having more infections
Headaches
Tiredness
Queasiness and throwing up
Benefits of Homeopathy
All the health and holistic points of view make homeopathy an ideal therapy that fits very good in the treatment of diseases like Guillain-Barre syndrome, it gives the patient maximum advantages which include the following:
Less/unwanted side effects
Personal information helps doctors to treat patients based on proper addressing of individual symptoms
Using natural processes to help the body remain healthy
Possible treatment for emotional as well as physical conditions
Homeopathic Medicines for Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Gelsemium: Good for persons who feel weak and their muscles are heavy, they feel numb, they may feel the fatigue and trembling in them.
Causticum: Useful when there is progressive weakness in the lower limbs and a tendency to paralysis.
Rhus Toxicodendron: Yet it is for people who one has stiffness and may have a feeling of pain that occurs when they are resting. Thus, they are usually very restless.
Argentum Nitricum: Dizziness or disorientation as well as weakness of the body due to shaking can be a cause of weakness in the arms and legs.
Conium Maculatum: Best for general progressive paralysis of the lower extremities, but usually, the disease begins from legs.
Plumbum Metallicum: As a result, the particles will exit the organism more slowly but the progressive muscular weakness will still be present.
10 Common FAQs about Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Homeopathy
Q: Can homeopathy cure Guillain-Barre syndrome?
A: Yes !!Homeopathy alone can cure the disease & used to support the body in the healing and management of symptoms. It always helps patients to consult their therapist about homeopathy alongside other treatments.
Q: Is it safe to use homeopathy alongside conventional treatments?
A: yes! But it is also best to include the doctor's advice.
Q: How long does it take to see results with homeopathic treatment?
A: Response time changes on an individual basis. While some people see changes within two to three weeks, patients' improvement can occur over several months, as every case is different.
Q: Which are the possible side effects of homeopathic medicines?
A: The risk of side effects occurrence mostly depends on how the user applies the remedies, and generally, homeopathic medicines do not have any serious side effects especially if the user knows how to apply it.
Q: Can homeopathy help prevent relapses of Guillain-Barre syndrome?
A: Yes !! homeopathy can support the immune system and thus decrease the chances of relapsing.
Q: How are homeopathic remedies selected for GBS?
A: The practitioner examines the patient's condition, physical indicators, and emotional complaints to select the right remedy.
Q: Can children with GBS be treated with homeopathy?
A: Of course, it can be. In my experience, these meds might be administered to young children through other means (not necessarily oral). They are also different for each kid's situation, strength, and endurance.
Q: Is homeopathy effective for chronic cases of GBS?
A: Homeopathy could offer help in managing some symptoms of the chronic cases, but the effectiveness may vary depending on the exact case.
Q: Can homeopathy help with the pain associated with GBS?
A: Some homeopathy remedies can help with GBS, but a professional is the one to decide which one is right for you.
Q: How often should homeopathic remedies be taken for GBS?
A: It is wise to consult a professional homeopath for the best advice on this issue.
Conclusion
Summing up, the pathophysiology of the Guillain-Barre syndrome, as a matter of fact, is quite scabrous and the treatment often requires certain foolproof methods. In this light, I would like to mention that conventional medicaments are the very first so to say the pillars of the therapeutics, but homeopathy can be used as a supplement to therapies that definitely accompany other paths of treatment. As every case is different, it is of paramount importance to ensure that you meet your healthcare worker often to come up with plans that will cover both options. A person diagnosed with GBS who combines medicine and homeopathy is expected to have not only better outcomes but also his/her quality of life.